It occurred to me that the purpose of a good tarot reading is twofold; first, the reading has to tell you a few things that you already know, to ensure that you are seeing what you are supposed to be seeing in the cards. Then, once they have your attention, the cards can proceed to suggest new ideas.



1. The Question
10 of Coins: "Enjoying the outcome"
On my mind was the idea of a creative career that I can enjoy, but which can still sustain me financially. This card was telling me what I already knew.

2. The Obstacle
Ace of Coins: "New career moves"
Again, something I knew. The problem is that I'm not fulfilled in what I'm doing, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next. I knew I wanted a new job. I forgot, however, that I also had a friend that wanted to discuss a creative venture and wanted some help with music and sound. I hadn't called him back yet.

3. Higher Self (Expectations)
The Emperor: "Masculine influence, power"
Again, I sort of knew this. My problem with my last job (at a company I'll call WebCo) was that I was still dealing with other people's work and, in some cases, cleaning up after them.

4. Base (The core issue)
Six of Coins: "Unexpected help"
In the Rider-Waite tarot, this card makes a little more sense in this context; the caption on the Oracle tarot version obscures the possibilities. Their version gives off the appearance of an issue of give and take - balance. This clashes with my expectations, and it's something I need to remember; in any career, in any job, you have to have a balance with the people you work with or for, and there's a give-and-take required in any commercial relationship.

5. The Past
The Fool
The Past card is a waning influence; a person or idea that isn't as important now as it used to be. I used to have a lot of blind luck with finding work; I had several contacts who would point out jobs that I hadn't noticed before.

6. The Future
Five of Coins: "Budget lessons"
Like the Past, the Future is a "waxing", or pertinent, influence - an idea that I'll have to pay attention to in days to come. And yes, I knew this one already; my debt is in really crappy shape. Practical matters used to be my forte, and I'll have to get some of that back in order to get through things.

7. The Self
The Hanged Man
This card is supposed to represent how I see myself, or my current approach to the issues at hand. Remember that guy I hadn't called back to talk shop with?

8. The "Other" (Environment, or outside)
Ten of Cups: "Blessed love life"
If the previous card was what I've been doing, then this card is what's out there waiting for me. The disparity between the two suggests that I ought to get off my ass.

9. Guidance, or "Hopes and Fears"
Nine of Coins: "Good Fortune"
This spot occasionally refers to an aspect of the situation that maybe you ought to keep in mind. Sometimes good things do happen. If taken with the traditional meaning - "Hopes and Fears" - it could be interpreted as a fear of success. What is there to lose?

10. Outcome
Three of Cups: "Celebration, bounty"
So, there. Again, what is there to lose? Also, some people relate the Expectations card to this one, and say that if your expectations are in line with the Outcome, then you're on the right track. I'd say they kind of are, as long as I get off my ass.

I did this reading last night, and I called the guy today. I'll be going over to his house tomorrow to talk shop. I imagine it will go well as long as I remember to balance my power against his own.